We're fourth luckiest in lotto

COFFS Harbour is the fourth luckiest regional centre in NSW when it comes to lottery draws, with a million dollars in winning tickets sold locally this year.

Dubbo is the hottest regional spot in the state, with five division one prizes claimed in 2010, totalling $5,184,984.80.

In Coffs, two division one prizes have been won to date, amounting to $1,070,333.65.

The statewide tallies take into account Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night Lotto draws, as well as Powerball, OZ Lotto and 6 From 38 Pools.

Across NSW since January 1, there have been 183 division one prizes won, worth nearly $243 million.

Local newsagent Darryl Kent, who owns Polack’s City Centre Newsagency, says anticipation is building for two major December draws.

“Tickets are selling well in tonight’s $15 million Oz Lotto draw, then there’s the $31 million New Year Lotto Megadraw on December 31- the biggest lotto draw for the year,” Mr Kent said.

In case you happen to be in Sydney, Hurstville is the state’s luckiest suburb, with $11,127,777.80 won this year.

But ask NSW Lotteries chief executive Bill Thorburn and he’ll tell you the places that haven’t had a big win could have the odds stacked in their favour.

“People often ask where the most winning tickets have been sold and make it a point to visit the area to buy a ticket in the hope of being the next big winner, but the truth is that every single game played has a chance of winning regardless of where the ticket is purchased,” Mr Thorburn said.